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Identity Theft As A Teachable Moment

Author

Listed:
  • Nathan Blascak
  • Julia S. Cheney
  • Robert M. Hunt
  • Vyacheslav Mikhed
  • Dubravka Ritter
  • Michael Vogan

Abstract

SUPERCEDES 14-28. This paper examines how a negative shock to the security of personal finances due to severe identity theft changes consumer credit behavior. Using a unique data set of linked consumer credit data and alerts indicating identity theft, we show that the immediate effects of fraud on consumers are typically negative, small, and transitory. After those immediate effects fade, identity theft victims experience persistent, positive changes in credit characteristics, including improved risk scores (indicating lower default risk). We argue that these changes are consistent with increased salience of credit file information to the consumer at the time of severe identity theft.

Suggested Citation

  • Nathan Blascak & Julia S. Cheney & Robert M. Hunt & Vyacheslav Mikhed & Dubravka Ritter & Michael Vogan, 2016. "Identity Theft As A Teachable Moment," Working Papers 16-27, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedpwp:16-27
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Julia S. Cheney & Robert M. Hunt & Vyacheslav Mikhed & Dubravka Ritter & Michael Vogan, 2014. "Consumer use of fraud alerts and credit freezes: an empirical analysis," Consumer Finance Institute discussion papers 14-4, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
    2. Sarah Miller & Luojia Hu & Robert Kaestner & Bhashkar Mazumder & Ashley Wong, 2021. "The ACA Medicaid Expansion in Michigan and Financial Health," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 40(2), pages 348-375, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    inattention; salience; identity theft; extended fraud alert; risk score; consumer protection; credit reports; Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA);
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D18 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Protection
    • G02 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Behavioral Finance: Underlying Principles

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